Windstar Cruises: The Ultimate Guide to Small-Ship Luxury Cruising

Windstar Cruises is a luxury small-ship cruise line known for intimate yacht-style cruising, destination-focused itineraries, personalized service and its distinctive sailing yachts. Unlike traditional mega-ships, Windstar emphasizes the destination and the feeling of traveling aboard a private yacht.

Windstar operates seven vessels: three sailing yachts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf) and four motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Seeker). Each ship carries between approximately 148 and 342 guests.

Windstar sailing yachts (Wind Class) offer a classic sailing experience with sails that deploy when conditions permit. Motor yachts (Star Class) are all-suite vessels offering more spacious accommodations and expanded public spaces. Wind Class prioritizes the sailing experience while Star Class prioritizes suite space.

Windstar occupies a distinctive position in the luxury market. Its luxury proposition is built around intimacy, small-ship cruising, yacht atmosphere, destination access, personalized service and relaxation rather than the largest suites or most formal service. It is a different definition of luxury.

Windstar is particularly well-suited for couples, honeymooners, experienced cruisers looking for something different, sailing enthusiasts, food and wine travelers, and adventure travelers who value destination immersion over onboard entertainment.

Windstar may not be ideal for travelers who prioritize very large suites, private balconies on every cabin, large-scale entertainment, waterparks, extensive children's programming, dozens of restaurants, formal ultra-luxury service, or large casinos and nightlife venues.

Wind Spirit is particularly compelling for French Polynesia. Combining an intimate sailing yacht with destinations such as Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea creates an experience that feels fundamentally different from staying at one island resort.

The Star Class motor yachts — Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride — offer all-suite accommodations with generally more spacious layouts than the sailing yachts. If cabin space is central to your definition of luxury, Star Class deserves serious consideration.

Windstar sails to the Greek Islands, French Polynesia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England and transatlantic crossings. Specific itineraries vary by season and ship.

Windstar fares typically include accommodations, meals in the main dining venues, select beverages, entertainment, use of the Windstar Watersports Platform (where available), and port charges. Certain premium options such as specialty dining, spa services and premium beverages may carry additional charges.

Windstar cruise pricing varies significantly based on destination, ship, cabin category, season and booking timing. Fares generally range from approximately $200–$500+ per person per day, with expedition and peak-season voyages at the higher end. A luxury travel advisor can help identify the best value.

Windstar's dining is destination-inspired and features partnerships with the James Beard Foundation. The main restaurant Amphora offers globally inspired cuisine, while specialty options like Candles provide an intimate outdoor dining experience. Star Class ships offer additional venues like Cuadro 44 and Star Grill.

Yes, selected Windstar ships feature the Windstar Watersports Platform, which opens from the stern and provides direct ocean access for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and water sports in calm anchorages. This is a distinctive Windstar feature not commonly found on other cruise lines.

Silversea offers a more traditional ultra-luxury experience with butler service, larger suites and a more extensive fleet. Windstar offers a more intimate, yacht-style experience with smaller ships, relaxed luxury and a stronger emphasis on sailing and destination immersion. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize formal luxury or relaxed intimacy.

Booking through a specialized luxury travel advisor like Trips & Ships can provide significant advantages including cabin-matching expertise, promotional stacking, itinerary customization, pre/post-cruise planning and access to amenities not available through direct booking.